Javascript is disabled by your browser. Some features of this Web site (e.g. Navigation menus, Text zoom, Hi-Contrast View, Quick Search, Random Imagery) will be impaired because of this. To navigate this Web site, please use the sitemap link on the top right corner of this page or the search facility on the left navigation bar. Alternatively, you could consider enabling javascript within your browser's settings.

Course Outline

This course focuses on aeolian (wind) processes that form and shape coastal and arid environments. Major themes in the course will be: 1) the physics of wind blown sand; 2) modeling techniques in aeolian geomorphology; 3) dune dynamics; and 4) impact of climate change on arid environments. Emphasis will be placed on using simple physical principles as a tool for understanding landscape patterns of coastal and desert dunes. This course has a quantitative component, however all required physics are taught in the class itself. Lecture material is complemented by assignments and required readings.

There is no course textbook.

Aims and Objectives

Students will develop an appreciation of the temporal and spatial scales of sediment transport and landscape response. These skills can be applied to all other geomorphic analyses of the physical landscape. Students will develop their quantitative and presentation skills.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, students will be able to display an in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

Sediment transport processes by wind.

Recognise the temporal and spatial scales associated with geomorphic processes

Identify key processes and controls associated with dune dynamics

Be familiar with the design and implementation of instrumented field experiments

Appreciate and articulate underlying geomorphic principles of arid and coastal environments and how they might respond to climate change

Method of Assessment

Key Texts

There is no required textbook. Required readings will be assigned during class and posted to the module website or distributed in class.

Attendance

The University views class attendance as the responsibility of you, the student. While attendance is not part of your assessment, your performance is directly related to your attendance - the more classes you miss the lower your grade tends to be. Students who miss class are responsible for getting the notes from a classmate.